"Patient compliance," "medication adherence," "medication non-adherence" — these are a few terms used to describe when people fail to follow their medication prescriptions. Medication non-compliance is the failure to take drugs on time in the dosages prescribed. It's a common problem. According to an April 2011 Mayo Clinic Proceedings article, only about half of those who are prescribed medication take it exactly as prescribed.

I've been told at continuing education conferences that there's no such thing as a "non-compliant" patient and to avoid the label. Such labeling is loaded with implications and stereotypes. Most of us want to follow our health care provider's advice so why are so many of us not taking our medications as prescribed?

As it turns out, there are many reasons you might not take your medication as prescribed. They include not understanding medical terms, not being involved in the medical decision making, poor communication on the part of your health care provider, your doctor having an incomplete medical history, limited finances or access to health care, complex medication regimens, cultural barriers, memory issues, health beliefs or misconceptions and many others. It's a complex issue with no single solution.

In a 2003 report on medication adherence, the World Health Organization stated, "Increasing the effectiveness of adherence interventions may have a far greater impact on the health of the population than any improvement in specific medical treatments."

Wow, so what can be done? Some possible interventions include:

Patient-education classes

Providing interpreters for foreign speaking individuals

Simplified medication programs

Empowering people to self-manage chronic diseases

Written instructions or pictures specific to a person's literacy level

Provider consideration of economic constraints

Appropriate follow-up care

These are considerations for your health care provider, but what can you do?

First, ask questions. You have the right to understand your own medical program. And consider inviting a family member or friend to your appointments, to assist with understanding instructions.

I also commonly hear: "I just keep forgetting to take my medication, and some times are harder to remember than others." Taking medication is a behavior, and all behaviors can be changed, although change isn't always easy. Consider tools designed to help — such as medication organizers, dispensers, pill box timers, alarms and written schedules or calendars — available in a range of prices.

How do you remember to take your medication? Please share your thoughts.

34 Comments Posted

There is definitely a question that I keep asking myself when I forget to take my diabetes medication. Does it make a difference if you take the medications before eating or after? I often forget to take them before my meals and do so frequently half an hour to an hour after eating. Help!

May

February 28, 2015 3:58 p.m.

Insurance tries not to pay even though we pay
premiums every month. The manufacturer will not
let you participate in savings programs if you have insurance although the co=pays are more than
the savings would be.

Lance Anthony

February 24, 2015 10:20 p.m.

For every meal where I should take medications (breakfast and dinner these days) I set the table with a paper cup of water. Plus of course the daily dispenser, so I don't have to go get anything after I eat in order to take my medicines.
I use a weekly dispenser -- actually two of them, one for breakfast (6 pills) and one for dinner (5 pills plus 3 for bedtime) because taking pills is so much the same from day to day there's no other way for me to tell if I've taken pills already or not.
For a while I had a medication with a pill that had to be taken from 15 minutes before eating but not later than the second bite of food. That was a disaster for me in terms of compliance, and it took me months to get to even a minimally acceptable level (for me, that's missing not more than 1 pill a week). Mostly I would remember after I'd started eating, too late to take it.
I was really glad to go back to pills to be taken after the meal.

Ginger

February 24, 2015 9:27 p.m.

Taking medication is part of a morning and/or evening routine. A routine is something you do each day, at about the same time. Hence, you always take your medicine, just like you wash your face, your teeth, and make breakfast, or cook supper, watch TV or read, take bedtime medicines, brush teeth, go to bed. Routines are part of keeping organized, and hence, feeling more calm, because you follow an order, and that includes medications. Easy ! Always plan ahead, so that if you have to make rearrangements in your routine, you plan for the medications to be incorporated in the changed plan.

Stephanie Gordon

February 24, 2015 4:18 p.m.

I was prescribed 5 different medications when I was first diagnosed with Diabetes by my Family Doctor. I decided to try one medication and it was for Diabetes. I took the minimum dosage .03 of Victoza. My family doctor had recommended a 1.2 dosage. I focused on losing 30 pounds, started exercising regularly and greatly reduced carbohydrates. My endocrinologist at Mayo clinic has taken me off the diabetes medication, .03 Victoza. I never started taking the other medications and my blood work is now perfectly in line. There are other choices besides being heavily medicated, and I found a solution, on my own, that works for me. I am very disappointed that this direction is not listed as an option here.

Paula Bandura

February 24, 2015 2:20 p.m.

I'm taking so many different meds along with the diabetes meds (over 9 pills plus insulin) and so many are contraindicated. I don't know how to determined which ones I can take together, or if I have to take a different pill by itself every hour or what. What exactly is meant by contraindicated?
How serious is this or is it just a way for manufacturers and doctors to protect their behinds? How do I deal with this problem?
I dislike for my day to be ruled by having to take medications all day long wherever I happen to be. I tend to forget more when I do this. It is easier to remember if I can group them for twice a day or even 3 times a day.

susan canavarro

February 24, 2015 12:35 p.m.

I use a clear pillbox strategically placed next to the light switch in the bathroom. No problems forgetting to take my meds.

Paul V

February 24, 2015 12:23 p.m.

Working with my doctor, we eventually arrived at a fairly complicated regimen involving various times and various doses. The only way I was able to remember all of these variations and times, was to put my medications into weekly pill boxes for four times a day; and I wrote myself notes on posted notes, MEDS, and placed these notes in a very prominent place over my medications. Although it took a few weeks to really develop the habit, I was mostly successful. I occasionally forget, but I have been educated enough to know not to try and "catch up" on my missed doses.

Ed Catrett

February 24, 2015 11:38 a.m.

I have many meds, eight prescriptions, six supplements. Each evening I put them out. Each morning I take them al except for a couple of twice-a-days and one supplement which conflicts with another. I take those about 12 hours later. It was hard at first but is now habit. I seldom forget to take them now.

Angie

February 24, 2015 11:34 a.m.

Metformin, Lisinopril, Cialis, two antibiotics, B12, C, a multi-vitamin, and a stool softener. Some in the morning, some at night and some both morning and evening. The only way to keep it straight was to get a weekly pill organizer with AM/PM compartments. Load it up once a week and keep it on the dresser by my keys and wallet. It makes my life a whole lot simpler.

Robert

February 24, 2015 11:32 a.m.

I mark my night medications with a blue dot tape. Makes it easier to keep in same bag.
I have labs done every three months for chronic conditions. Will be eligible for Medicsre in April so drug costs will go down substantially.

Ginger

February 24, 2015 11:31 a.m.

Ran out of my high bp meds and did not get the refill yesterday because I was too busy. This morning, I was wondering why I feel kind of dizzy and that's the only reason I can think of. Needless to say, I'll get it filled today for sure! Usually we put our meds in an organizer and have them after dinner like clock work, except last night, of course.

Lisa

February 24, 2015 11:31 a.m.

I don't forget to take the meds, but I do wonder if I take them at the right time.

Pat Clark

February 24, 2015 11:28 a.m.

I put my AM meds and PM meds into "weekly pill holders", mark them AM or PM and place them on the window sill by my kitchen sink. Then, when I get my water for breakfast or dinner, I can SEE that I have to take the appropriate meds.

M A Kanthal

February 24, 2015 11:28 a.m.

Would love to have my meds, but I was thrown under the bus when I had an unacceptable insurance supplement. She cut off my drugs because I didn't take a test, went in for it and it was cancelled because of the insurance even though I said I would pay for it, just wanted a receipt. "We don't do that" the desk clerk says and cancels me. I went into full panic, left and have not been out of the house since. I write to her, she ignored me. Ah, yes, do no harm. I am an agoraphobic, depressive with no meds. Do no harm, ah yes.

Mary G.

February 24, 2015 11:10 a.m.

I brush my teeth and take my medication before I leave my bathro.

Anne

October 3, 2013 10:40 p.m.

Some people at some times in their lives actually do NOT want to take their medicine.
I've been taking a certain drug (not related to diabetes) since I was 16, and for 15 years *hated* taking it and frequently &quot;forgot&quot; to take it.

Ron

September 13, 2013 10:35 p.m.

The medication Metformin comes in three forms - tablet, extended release tablet and liquid.
Is one form of the medication better than another? How is it determined what form of Metformin ( tablet, extended release tablet or liquid) is prescribed ?

rob

September 3, 2013 5:38 p.m.

I used to be on metformin, and I had the worst time with it. I could never seem to get into the habit of taking it, no matter what time I tried. I think it was partly due to the fact that it made me feel sick and tired all the time, especially when restarting after missing a few days. I finally had enough, and asked to switch to insulin. It works better for me because there are no side effects, and the results are immediate. My blood sugars are as close to normal as they have ever been since I became diabetic, and now it actually feels like something is wrong when they are high! I have set myself alarms to remind me when it is time to take my insulin, and since one coincides with when I take my other oral meds, I never forget those either. I think that the combined incentives of feeling like I am in control of my diabetes, plus knowing that my meds are helping me to feel better (not worse), has been the ticket. I don't just &quot;take a pill and forget it&quot; anymore; now I am actively managing my blood sugars all the time, which has helped me to be more mindful of what I am eating as well.
If you find that you keep struggling with your &quot;medication compliance&quot; look into reasons why you may be avoiding the pills (like side effects or feeling like they aren't working), and talk to your doctor about switching it up.

Jane

July 9, 2013 2:22 p.m.

my friend has diabetes.the doctor prescribed both glucophage and metformin pills.thatto me seems to be to muchof the same drug.the dosage of the metformin pills are 4 per day.isn't this an o.d.?

Donna

May 31, 2013 6:15 a.m.

diabetes is a life long disease and poper sugar control ensures no or delayed complications. a patient has to spend for the medicines, diagnotis tests etc... for life long. it is not only the cost of drugs but also the affordability of the patient is important. in a country life india where there is no insurance or reimbursement it is remains a dream to manage the disease as recommended. All the knowledge and effort does not yield the desired results. in such a situation do you think comliance can be even in 50% of the patients.

subhash

May 23, 2013 12:39 p.m.

My concern is taking my Glipizide in combination with my other meds. I wonder if it's effect could be magnified or defeated. I've read that some blood pressure meds can increase diabetes drugs overall effect. Any comments?

Frieda

March 20, 2013 1:04 p.m.

My pill organizers are stacked right next to my blood testing meter at the kitchen table. When I open the fridge, the first things I see are my insulin pens. My morning Metformin is right next to the handle of the fridge door. I bought an extra blood-testing kit for at work -- it's in the same bin as my car keys, next to the phone. If I go out to lunch, I grab the kit. If I eat in, I see the kit and test. I bought 2 weekly pill organizer boxes. I set up two weeks' worth at a time. All of these steps help me remember to stay on track.

Linda

March 18, 2013 6:10 p.m.

Set my I-phone alarm to remind me to take my evening meds, which I always forgot. I have to get up, find the phone, and turn off the alarm so I take the med while I'm up.

Linda

March 7, 2013 11:06 a.m.

I leave my pill box out on the kitchen counter in plain sight as a reminder. But sometimes I forget to take the pill box out of the cupboard.

Gary

March 7, 2013 6:16 a.m.

with everybody using mobile phones, one could feed the name of the medicine and the time at which to take as a to - do list item in the ohone with a alam tone.

s radhakrishnan

March 6, 2013 4:16 p.m.

Currently I take 12 pills a day plus an insulin shot before bed. Biggest problem overall is, &quot;I remember taking this pill, but was that yesterday?&quot; That's when I started with the dumb (but useful) pill organizer. Recently, I had two generics that looked the same, one taken early morning, and the other before bed -- not good to mix them up, not at all. So I moved to two pill dispensers, at least temporarily.
Recently added a pill before lunch, and that's the one I forget most often now. I find that one very hard to remember, because remembering after three mouthfuls is too late to take it. (Past experience tells me it may take two weeks, or three, before I remember to always take this pill.)
For me, keeping the pill organizers on the table where I eat is critical to remembering to take the pills. I also have a paper cup of water on the table, an additional reminder to take pills after that meal.

ginger

March 6, 2013 11:35 a.m.

An inexpensive watch with alarm is quite helpful!!!

Eva

March 5, 2013 3:36 p.m.

I use pill organizers. I fill three of them at a time so my meds are always ready, and put today's segment of the one that comes apart out on the kitchen counter near the sink. I can see whether I have remembered.

Yvonne

March 5, 2013 2:41 p.m.

It boggles my mind that people forget to take their meds. I take mine at breakfast,supper and bedtime and it's a habit like eating. It's important to take meds that are prescibed and important to follow orders. I'm not interested in having problems with my diabetes due to not taking my meds.

Ferne

March 5, 2013 2:27 p.m.

I have a problem with Onglyza. At the time it was prescribed I didn't realize that it is:
- a DPP-4 inhibitor that, with my other cancer risk factors, I am not comfortable taking
- Not a very effective drug (much less effective than the metformin I already take) but is a very expensive drug (which I was unprepared for)
My other drugs; yes I sometimes forget. If you can forget your drugs you can also forget memory aids, calendars, drug organizers etc.

Chris

March 5, 2013 1:17 p.m.

I have crohn's disease and the meds for type 2
make me very sick. I go into a flare. My Dr does not understand that I just can't take the meds.

Suzie

March 5, 2013 11:49 a.m.

I remember to take my diabetes meds because I've attached a great importance to them. I was diagnosed with type II when I lost my eye sight for 6 weeks when my blood sugars were soaring. I vowed that wouldn't happen again. I also keep the meds on the counter near my food prep so that I can see them and know to take them after breakfast and after dinner.

Dina

March 5, 2013 11:29 a.m.

if i take my glucophage at 5am must i take it at 5pm or does it not matter as long as i take it twice a day. i normally take it just before breakfast which is 6am and at night it varies by about half an hour, either 6pm or 6.30pm. it is well under control reading between 4.6 to 5.2 2hours after breakfast and supper.

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